Judicial panel slams Congress govt for illegal mining in Goa

The Congress government that was voted out in Goa earlier this month has been slammed by the Centre-appointed judicial commission for failing to contain rampant illegal mining of iron ore.

In a series of reports last year, HT had revealed that illegal mining has cost the state Rs 3,000 crore, though some estimates peg the loss at Rs10,000 crore.

In its report submitted to the Union ministry of mines on Thursday, the commission led by justice (retd) MB Shah has reportedly observed that mining of natural resources continued unabated in several parts of the state, with state agencies turning a blind eye to the issue. It criticises the government for being ineffective and lax in taking measures against illegal mining.

Justice Shah said the report is confidential. “We have submitted a detailed report. I cannot disclose its contents,” he said.

“The report needs to be studied and the culprits must be booked,” said Laxmikant Parse-kar, president of BJP’s Goa unit.